Medication
Concussion treatment focuses on making the person comfortable, alleviating headaches and getting plenty of physical and mental rest. Below are seven natural remedies for concussion treatment.
Therapy
1 Application of ice: Ice must be applied immediately after the head injury. 2 Painkillers: If the person is experiencing painful bouts of headaches,... 3 Medications: If there is a laceration on the head, it may be treated with the help of lidocaine,... 4 Bed rest: The person must take complete bed rest till he/she recuperates,...
Nutrition
Light exercise and physical activity as tolerated starting a few days after injury have been shown to speed recovery; however, you should avoid any activities that have a high risk of exposure to another head impact until you are fully recovered.
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Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your concussion-related health concerns Start Here There are steps you can take to help your brain heal and speed recovery. In the first few days after a concussion, relative rest is the most appropriate way to allow your brain to recover.
What are the treatments for concussion?
What are the treatment options for head injury?
How can I speed up my recovery from a head injury?
How can Mayo Clinic help with concussion-related health concerns?
How is head concussion treated?
Concussions often heal on their own with rest. It may be necessary to take a break from sports, school, or work while recovering, or receive accommodations. Some people take over-the-counter pain medications to help with symptoms. It's important that all head injuries are evaluated by a doctor.
Can a head concussion heal on its own?
Most concussions resolve on their own without any lasting effects. However, some concussions can accompany a more serious injury that requires treatment. Seek emergency treatment if you notice any of the following after a concussion: sudden, intense headaches.
How long does a head concussion take to heal?
Concussion recovery and treatment. Approximately 80 percent of concussions resolve over seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. People with concussions should never return to sports or other physical activity sooner than one week from sustaining the injury.
How do you treat a concussion at home?
How can you care for yourself at home?Rest is the best treatment for post-concussion syndrome.Do not drive if you have taken a prescription pain medicine.Rest in a quiet, dark room until your headache is gone. ... Put a cold, moist cloth or cold pack on the painful area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.More items...
What should you not do after a concussion?
4 things to avoid after a concussionExcessive physical activity. An increased heart rate may worsen your symptoms, dragging out your recovery.Strenuous mental activities. Reading, computer work, playing video games, texting and watching TV can overstimulate your brain, says Dr. ... Driving too soon. ... Pain relievers.
How do they test you for a concussion?
Your doctor may order imaging tests — such as MRI or CT scans — to make sure there's no bruising or bleeding in your brain. To confirm a concussion diagnosis, your doctor will use the data from your: Exam and interview....Concussion testing and examsVerbal and visual memory.Brain processing speed.Reaction time.
Should I sleep after a concussion?
Summary. Sleeping isn't dangerous when you have a concussion. You won't slip into a coma or die if you go to sleep after getting a concussion. It's safe for a concussed person to sleep if they are awake and can hold a conversation, and they don't have obvious concussion symptoms.
When should I go to the doctor for a concussion?
Reality: The best time to see your doctor is actually 48 to 72 hours after the concussion occurs. Before that, patients often experience so many concussion symptoms that it can be hard to spot patterns.
How long do mild concussions last?
Concussions can range from mild to severe, however even mild concussions require a recovery period. On average, it takes approximately 7-10 days to recover from a concussion. However, this can vary from individual to individual and you may continue to experience concussion symptoms for longer than 7-10 days.
What are the stages of a concussion?
There are three grades: Grade 1: Mild, with symptoms that last less than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 2: Moderate, with symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes and involve no loss of consciousness. Grade 3: Severe, in which the person loses consciousness, sometimes for just a few seconds.
How to recover from a concussion?
Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion. If getting to sleep or staying asleep is difficult, discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations. Sleep behavior techniques may be helpful as is the use of certain medications.
What is the recovery process of a concussion?
Recovery from concussion is a complex and dynamic process. During recovery it is critical to identify the factors responsible for symptoms and to develop a treatment plan targeting them. If recovery is not properly managed it can lead to unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Management of recovery should be individualized and directed by ...
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Common treatable causes of concussion-like symptoms include; neck injury, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision problems, difficulty with sleep, and new or worsening mood symptoms.
How long after a concussion should you rest?
Persistent double vision or loss of vision. Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative. In the first one to two days after suffering a concussion, near complete rest is important.
Is it safe to take naproxen after a concussion?
After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Naprosyn, Aleve) are generally more effective for pain relief, and are safe. In some patients, nausea and vomiting can be bothersome, and prescription medications can help. Restful sleep is important in all stages of recovery from concussion.
Can you exercise during a concussion recovery?
New studies, including one performed at Michigan NeuroSport, suggest that limited exercise during the recovery phase allows for quicker recovery from concussion. Return to physical activity and exercise should be gradual and determined by your doctor. Examples of cardiovascular exercises that are started during this phase include use ...
Can headaches be rebounded?
Consistent, prolonged use of medications to treat headache may result in medication overuse or rebound headache. Medications for nausea may also be considered, if nausea is severe. During this phase nausea should significantly improve, and if it doesn't, alternative explanations for it should be sought.
What is the best treatment for a concussion?
In fact, the most effective prescription for a concussion is rest—total rest. 1 For some people that may be easier said than done. But, by giving both the body and brain an extended time-out, the damage caused by a concussion will heal.
How to tell if you have a concussion?
Only a doctor can definitively diagnose a concussion, but there are a number of common symptoms to look out for after a head injury: 5. Dizziness/loss of balance. Disorientation and confusion. A persistent headache that worsens over time. Nausea and/or vomiting.
How long does it take for a concussion to go away?
You should begin to feel "normal" and free of headaches, dizziness, fuzzy thinking, and other concussion symptoms after two to three of weeks of rest. This means giving your body and your brain a chance to recover according to your doctor's instructions. If after 14 days of rest your symptoms haven't begun to diminish, tell your doctor. 3.
What happens if you get a concussion right away?
If you sustain a head injury and experience symptoms of a concussion right away—such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, or vomiting—do not go back to whatever you were doing even if those symptoms disappear. If you were hurt while playing a sport, for example, do not go back on the field until you've been evaluated by a healthcare provider. 3
How long does it take to feel better after a concussion?
A person who's on the mend from a concussion is likely to have days during which he or she feels better than other days .
Why is it important to stay on the sidelines after a blow to the head?
Even a few seconds of feeling stunned or dizzy can indicate damage to the brain, and so it's vital to stay on the sidelines until testing indicates it's OK to get back into the game.
Can you take Tylenol for a concussion?
For an injury that can be tricky to diagnose, treating a concussion is surprisingly straightforward. There's no medication required, although Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help if there's a headache. 1 Sometimes after a head injury, an overnight stay in the hospital for observation is advisable, but it's rarely necessary. Only a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) would require an intervention such as surgery.
Who to see for a concussion?
If you, your son or daughter or your older parent has experienced a mild blow to the head, you can see your family medical doctor or your pediatrician first for an initial exam. If a concussion is suspected, you may be referred to other doctors and healthcare providers who specialize in the evaluation and management of concussions. These clinicians include:
Who is involved in making sure the concussion protocol is followed?
The people involved in making sure the concussion protocol is followed include trained healthcare providers with knowledge of concussion care, athletic trainers, school nurse/counselor/teachers, rehabilitation specialists and parents.
How long does it take for a concussion to go away?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head. Anyone from infants to the elderly can get a concussion. Headache is the most common symptom. Most symptoms resolve within 14 to 21 days. Although recovery plans are unique to each person, all involve mental and physical rest and a gradual return to activity.
What is the term for a bump in the head?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that results from a bump, violent jolt or blow to your head that disrupts normal brain function. A concussion can also be caused by a hit to your body that is strong enough to cause your head to forcefully jerk backwards, forwards or to the side. Concussions stretch and bruise nerves ...
How to keep blood sugar up after a concussion?
Make sure to encourage eating throughout the day to keep blood sugar up and to try and drink six 8 oz. glasses of fluid (water, juice, Gatorade®) throughout the day. The brain is sensitive to low blood sugar and dehydration and these conditions can mimic or worsen concussion symptoms like headache, dizziness, fogginess, stomachache and irritability.
What causes a concussion in a child?
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries are common causes of concussions. Any sport that involves contact can result in a concussion. Among children, most concussions happen on the playground, while bike riding, or when playing sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, or soccer.
How many times more likely is a concussion to happen?
Once you’ve had a concussion, you are three to five times more likely to have another concussion. The highest risk is for those who return to competition before their symptoms have completely gone away. No one should return to active play if they are still having symptoms from a concussion.
What is the treatment for a concussion?
The current treatment for concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury) is rest and time. These are helpful, but there is more that you can do.
How to heal a concussion?
Concussion Rescue Healing Protocol. To treat a head injury, I recommend supplements to quench inflammation, antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage, a dietary strategy to help get the brain the fuel it needs to heal, and the right kinds of exercise at the right time.
How many lessons are in Concussion Rescue?
My new online course, Concussion Rescue, is a 15-lesson comprehensive online course designed to put you on a path to brain repair and recovery.
Did David lose consciousness?
He stayed down, disheveled, then was helped to his feet and over to the bench. Although David never appeared to lose consciousness, he had a splitting headache for the rest of the day and was very fatigued. I found out later that he was seen by his pediatrician and told to stay out of school for a week and rest.
Did David's brain heal after a concussion?
Fortunately, in David’s case, I was able to help his mother develop a strategy that put David’s brain into a healing state instead of allowing his brain to suffer the cascade of events that happen in the brain after a concussion. While David did take it easy and rest for much of the week following his injury, once put on a plan, his symptoms rapidly began to improve. Several weeks later, he had no symptoms and had returned to his happy self.
How to heal from a concussion?
Other natural concussion treatment options to help recovery include diffusing lavender oil and other stress-reducing essential oils and participating in music therapy. Sleep and rest. Light exercise.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
The vast majority of people who have a concussion will recover completely in a few days or weeks; however, serious complications can occur in the elderly, infants, children, and those who have experienced multiple concussions.
How long after a concussion should you monitor?
A thorough examination and monitoring are necessary first steps in concussion treatment, or after any head trauma. The first 24 hours after the injury are crucial. ( 2) Losing consciousness is a symptom of a concussion, but the loss of consciousness is not the only determining factor.
How long does it take to diagnose a concussion?
Conventional Concussion Treatment. Diagnosing a concussion requires a thorough physical examination. The first 24 hours after a brain injury are crucial, and patients require observation either in the hospital or at home. The medical team will want details surrounding the event and information on past head injuries.
What are the risk factors for a concussion?
Recognized risk factors include: Participating in contact sports like hockey, football, soccer, martial arts, boxing and wrestling. Participating in non-contact sports like cycling, cheerleading and baseball.
Why do people get concussions?
Millions of people in the United States suffer from a concussion each year due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, assault and taking part in sports. With lawsuits pending against the NFL and NHL over the long-term consequences of multiple concussions, athletes are considered the most at risk, particularly if they participate in football, hockey, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, wrestling, boxing or cycling.
What foods help you recover from a syphilis?
Great sources of these healthy fats include wild-caught salmon, grass-fed beef, flaxseed, walnuts, tuna and grass-fed dairy.
What is the treatment for a concussion?
In the case of serious concussions, your doctor may prescribe additional treatments, like speech, vision, or cognitive therapy.
What to do if you lose consciousness after a head strike?
If you lost consciousness following a head strike, let your doctor know. Your doctor may also perform some simple neurological and cognitive tests to assess your hearing, eyesight, balance, coordination, memory, and concentration. These tests assess your brain function and can help determine the severity of your concussion.
Why is it hard to recognize a concussion in a child?
This is because their heads are often disproportionately large compared to their bodies. It may be harder to recognize a concussion in a young child, especially if they are not able to verbalize their symptoms.
How many concussions are there in high school football?
In high school football alone, players across the United States experience as many as 250,000 concussions each year. Given these risks, coaches, parents, athletic trainers, and players need to be aware of concussion symptoms; the sooner a concussion is detected, the better the outcomes for the player. If a player hits their head or is suspected of ...
How to prevent falls?
You can also prevent falls by keeping your floors clear of clutter. Educate yourself and others. Knowing how to spot a concussion is the first step to getting treatment. Inform yourself and others about the concussion risks, prevention, and symptoms to spread awareness.
Is a concussion more common in older adults?
Concussions are more common in older adults and young people. These increase your risk:
Can you have a brain scan for a concussion?
These tests assess your brain function and can help determine the severity of your concussion. Brain imaging is not recommended for most concussions. However, brain imaging may be required when a severe brain injury is suspected to rule out bleeding or brain swelling. These imaging tests include:
Concussion Risk Factors
The number of people who experience a concussion each year is difficult to pinpoint because many concussions go undetected or unreported. However, mild traumatic brain injury accounts for at least 75 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
A concussion can cause loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Immediate symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, difficulty concentrating, feelings of grogginess, fatigue, or sleepiness, slurred speech, blurred or double vision, and confusion.
Concussion Diagnosis
To diagnose concussion, a doctor will look for symptoms such as confusion and memory loss following a blow to the head or body that may have jostled the brain. They may also test hearing, vision, balance, and reflexes or conduct neurocognitive tests to assess recall, concentration, and problem-solving.
Concussion Treatment
It’s important to get medical care following a head injury. A doctor can help with recovery and monitor for more serious or longer-term effects. If a person is playing sports when the concussion occurs, they should be removed from play, evaluated by a neurologist, and cleared before returning to play.
Concussion Research Efforts
As concussion continues to gain more attention in sports and the media, developing protocols for diagnosis and recovery has become a focus. Current research is also investigating the biological and biochemical mechanisms of traumatic brain injury, secondary conditions such as depression, and how concussions affect the brain long term.
What to do if you have a laceration on your head?
Medications: If there is a laceration on the head, it may be treated with the help of lidocaine, injections, or topical applications.
What is the best way to recover from a skull injury?
A doctor will examine the skull for further damage and take suitable steps. Bed rest: The person must take complete bed rest till he/she recuperates, and should not perform any kind of strenuous activity. Proper rest is the key to a complete recovery.
How do you know if you have a concussion?
The most common symptom of concussions is loss of consciousness. You may have often seen someone who has suffered a concussion pass out. Along with this, the person will also feel extremely nauseous and may even experience a loss of memory when he/she wakes up. A constant watch must be kept on the person once he/she wakes up, as a relapse of the concussion may occur. Extreme care should be taken that a person who has passed out does not swallow his/her own tongue. This is a very dangerous risk, and the person may choke due to that. Along with this, here are some symptoms that one must look out for.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mildly traumatic head injury and a condition that one can make a full recovery from. Here are some mild concussion treatment methods that will help a person recover.
Why do people pass out after a concussion?
Basically, if any person receives a very hard blow on their head, their brain may slightly shift inside and collide against the inner part of the skull. This leads to the person getting a concussion, and most people pass out due to this trauma. Some people also experience memory loss as a result of this, and lose their ability of motor coordination and balancing.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
With proper care and rest, the person can make a full recovery and resume normal activities in 2-3 days. Treatments are quite simple, but the monitoring of the person must not stop.
Can a concussion be mild?
There are a number of causes of receiving a mild or a harsh blow to the head, and sometimes this blow leads to a concussion. Knowing the different forms of treatment for this can surely help anybody, as this will help them avoid the injury from getting worse. A mild injury will not display the symptoms and characteristics of a more serious injury, ...
What is recovery from a concussion?
Recovery from a concussion is when your child is able to do all of their regular activities without experiencing any symptoms. Also, be sure to: Schedule a follow up appointment for your child’s doctor or nurse.
How long does it take for a concussion to heal?
Most children with a concussion feel better within a couple of weeks. However for some, symptoms will last for a month or longer. Concussion symptoms may appear during the normal healing process or as your child gets back to their regular activities. If there are any symptoms that concern you or are getting worse, be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible.
How to get rid of a swollen ear?
(Avoid screen time and loud music before bed, sleep in a dark room, and keep to a fixed bedtime and wake up schedule.) Reduce daytime naps or return to a regular daytime nap schedule (as appropriate for their age). 3.
What is the best medication for a child with a headache?
Ask your child’s doctor or nurse about safe over-the-counter or prescription medications to help with symptoms (e.g., Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headache).
How to help a child with a brain injury?
Rest. Your child should take it easy the first few days after the injury when symptoms are more severe. Early on, limit physical and thinking/remembering activities to avoid symptoms getting worse. Avoid activities that put your child at risk for another injury to the head and brain.
What to do if your child's symptoms are not worsening?
If your child’s symptoms do not worsen during an activity then this activity is OK for them. If symptoms worsen, your child should cut back on how much he or she can do that activity without experiencing symptoms.